U-T Editorial: Hubbs' promising project

The Hubbs proposal would be the first offshore fish farm in U.S. waters. It ultimately would produce up to 3,000 metric tons a year of striped bass, which would be grown from fingerlings to market size in up to 24 net pens anchored to the ocean bottom. The site off Mission Beach is in deep, clean water with suitable currents and a sandy bottom. San Diego's mild year-round climate and relatively stable ocean temperatures make it an ideal spot for large-scale aquaculture.

Although most consumers are unaware of it, nearly half of the seafood consumed by humans is farmed. China is the world's largest supplier, accounting for 70 percent of the global total. Shrimp, oysters, clams, mussels, salmon, tilapia, catfish and rainbow trout are widely produced through farming.

The United States, however, has trailed Asia and other regions in aquaculture production. As a result, America is a large net importer of seafood. Seafood imports add $9 billion a year to the U.S. trade deficit and are second only to oil in boosting the trade imbalance.

The Hubbs proposal would provide a significant spur to San Diego's economy, creating jobs for fishermen idled by declining wild stocks. More broadly, the venture would give a needed boost to the region's lagging commercial fishing industry, and it would be close to established markets and distribution centers.

But first the project must gain the approval of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Army Corps of Engineers and the California Coastal Commission. The California Department of Fish and Game has already issued an aquaculture registration for the initiative. Since its founding 45 years ago, Hubbs has been a driving force in marine research. The San Diego aquaculture project is its most promising endeavor yet.